Are We Screwed? Six Things We Can Do for the Environment

I have a friend who tells me I'm being silly, neurotic, over-the-top when it comes to "saving" the environment, that we are too far gone, that it's hopeless. I don't necessarily disagree with him. Things are pretty dire. Pretty bleak. But to simply NOT do anything is crazy to me. Is it to you? I have visited a recycling facility first-hand and learned a lot about what can and cannot be recycled for starters. You should too.

I refuse to simply do nothing...in a few years, who knows what may be discovered, what inventions scientists and environmentalists may unlock. In the mean-time, besides recycling, and all the things we know--shut off the water when brushing your teeth, don't leave on lights, don't linger in the shower for 100 minutes, STOP drinking bottled water FFS (fill up reusable water bottles anywhere filtered water is (I'm fortunate my school has them everywhere) ), grow some of your own food--what else can we do? What else do I do? Lots. But here are some REALLY easy things MOST of us can do:

1. Use reusuable STUFF whenever possible. Glass containers vs. plastic bags, reusuable cups or mugs vs. plastic or styrofoam, and reusable straws vs. plastic ones for example. I have silicone ones, and Starbucks even has a reusuable cup with said draw for refills. Dunkin' Donuts will be banning them soon. Places are banning them everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if they're outlawed completely soon. Some are even switching to paper straws that decompose naturally. Visit  OUR LAST STRAW for more details. 

DON'T use plastic bags. They can't be recycled! And if something can fit easily in a purse or a pocket, don't get a bag! I have a huge purse. If I buy small items, there they go. Bring recyclable bags to the grocery store. You don't need plastic bags! For anything anymore. Come on, people! If your receipt can be sent electronically do that too while you're at it while shopping.

2. Get big organizations, hospitals, schools, etc. to make it easier for people to recycle. Make signs. Ask for cafeterias and such to go back to old-school trays. Make a stink. Make it a priority. And TELL people. Spread the word. 

3. If you drive, walk. If you can, take public transportation. If you can ride a bike, do it. If you must drive, get a hybrid, or even better, a fully-electric car as I did. You think it's expensive? Check in with your gov't and see if there are any reimbursements still available. I got huge ones. And think of all the gas you'll be saving. But at the very least, CAR POOL!

4. Don't print if you don't have to--now this one is controversial, especially with book lovers, myself included. But first of all, LIBRARIES DO STILL EXIST! And I realize we haven't quite figured out what we're going to do with our electronics...but Amazon has the right idea. Print only what people buy for books...so I can dig that, and do, and reading is important any way you slice it! How else do we get Paper Cuts right? WINK. WINK. (Insert shameless plug. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you probably shouldn't be reading this.) ​

---

As I said, we haven't figured this all out regarding electronics, how to dispose of them, etc. So this isn't perfect, but Kindles, Nooks, laptops, etc., do save the trees. Never mind germs! I've gone to almost fully paperless classrooms. And for Pete's sake, stop printing needless things that don't get read! And NO COLOR or tissue paper. These things can't be recycled. They are unnecessary. Use your imagination the next time your gift-wrapping.

5. If you can, get solar panels. They're not as expensive you think. Check with your government. Do research. And you'll see. Never mind the money you'll save down the road. Just be sure the place you must "pay your bills" also uses CLEAN electricity and not "dirty" coal. Another thing, if you can afford it, insulate your home. 

​6. Finally, don't buy from places that don't give a rat's ass about these things. We have choices. Make good ones. 

Okay. I'll get off my soapbox now. I'm sure this is old news to some of you...but just in case you're one of the nay-sayers, like my friend, you're welcome. :) ​

---